Tyrosol-Based Derivatives as Lead Structures for the Control of Coffee Leaf Rust

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Tyrosol-derived esters were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against Hemileia vastatrix urediniospore germination. Esterification reactions afforded mono- and diester derivatives, which were characterized by spectroscopic methods. In biological assays, all esters showed higher antifungal activity than tyrosol, whereas 1,2,3-triazole derivatives were inactive. Monoesters retaining a free phenolic hydroxyl group exhibited significantly higher activity than the corresponding diesters, highlighting the importance of this group for antifungal activity. Selected compounds displayed inhibitory effects comparable to copper oxychloride and showed low cytotoxicity in L929 fibroblast cells. In silico analysis indicated that key physicochemical parameters fell within the range of commercial fungicides. These results identify tyrosol-derived esters as promising lead structures for further investigation in the development of fungicides for coffee leaf rust control.